The last time Rainbow Kitten Surprise performed in West Michigan was back in 2022. They graced the stage at Electric Forest, a multi-genre music festival with a focus on electronic music and jam band genres. The group was set to perform at 1:45AM one night, and like me, some had decided to skip the late night set and catch Rainbow Kitten Surprise the next time they were in the area. However, fans of RKS will know that the band has spent the last few years struggling with physical and mental health conflicts that rescheduled and eventually cancelled multiple dates since. 

Now, three years later, Rainbow Kitten Surprise made it back to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a packed show at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in the heart of the city. Fans were lined up outside of the venue hours before doors opened, eager to make this show worth it. We know how quickly shows can be moved and cancelled, so this was our chance to create a memorable night with the North Carolina-born four-piece.

Led by vocalist Ela Melo, and backed by Darrick "Bozzy" Keller (guitar, backup vocals), Ethan Goodpaster (electric guitar), Jess Haney (drums), and a mix of touring members, Rainbow Kitten Surprise delivered that memorable night fans had waited so long to experience. The group started the set off with “Espionage”, their latest single and music video release, before jumping into a mix of hits and tracks from their 2024 album, Love Hate Music Box. Fans screamed, cried, and danced all night long to songs that had become popular on TikTok and those they’ve had on repeat year after year. 

Of course, the crowd sang the loudest for the group’s most streamed songs: “It’s Called: Freefall”, “Cocaine Jesus”, “Painkillers”, “All’s Well That Ends”, and “Devil Like Me”. The authenticity of a group like Rainbow Kitten Surprise is exactly why they are still able to sell out shows after rescheduled and cancelled shows. Fans appreciate artists who are just like them, many seeing themselves represented in Melo’s identity and vulnerability lyricism. Explosive shows and extravagant costumes can be fun, but originality will persevere time and time again. 

Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s Thanks For Coming Tour continues through the end of the year. You can also catch them at big name festivals like Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee and Iron Blossom in Richmond, Virginia. Whether you’re a long time fan or only recognize the hits, a Rainbow Kitten Surprise show brings together a community of misfits looking for a sense of belonging and finding a place to call home.